The magic of books just enchants me. I love reading, what more can I say?

Hey guys! Today, I'm going to be featuing an author on my blog! She will also be joining us for an author interview. So yep, let's begin and have fun! :)

Hiren’s Magical Adventure by Kathleen Patel

A tween to young adult, paranormal, mystery, the charming fable unfolds in in India. Hiren visits his grandparents for the summer. Nothing could have prepared him for this strange world filled with magic and mystery. He encounters exotic creatures, a forbidden jungle, and a ghost that haunts the eerie palace. He meets a mysterious girl who leads him closer to the secrets. He finds himself facing life-threatening danger in his quest to solve the family mystery.

Kathleen Patel is a happily married, peace loving fiction writer. Her books are fun to read, but always educate and contain a message. As promoter of acceptance, she believes knowledge is the key.
"With ignorance comes fear- from fear comes bigotry. Education is the key to acceptance."
Kathleen is also an activist that fights for those without a voice. This includes abused children, animals, and especially victims of bullying. She wrote a short handbook, 'The Bullying Epidemic-the guide to arm you for the fight' and offers it free of charge.
"I hope that my books can open new worlds for my readers."

For
starters, why not you tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not
many people know?

Before I started writing books and doing book reviews, I spent the bulk
of my career as a software sales executive. I was a “Start-up Expert”. Software
companies would hire me to help them grow the business and groom it to go
public.

What made you want to
become a writer? Growing up in
a middle class suburb in the Midwest, life was
pretty bland. Then something happened that rocked my world. I learned to read. When
it all finally ‘clicked’ and I was able to comprehend the letters on the page
and read the stories, my life changed forever!

I love reading. It opened so many new worlds for me. I want to open new
worlds for my readers.

Did
you have other aspirations/dreams in the past, or have you always wanted to be
a writer? I have had a few other dreams. I wanted to be
a movie star. I also wanted to be a famous chef with my own show on the cooking
channel. My current dream is to continue writing, while I run a small organic
farm/vineyard, make wine, and gourmet cheese with sheep’s milk (from my own
sheep). I will sell the wine & cheese to local upscale restaurants.

What
gave you the inspiration for the plot of the book? My husband is from India. Along with the stories he has shared, from
his childhood, I have spent extensive time in India, hanging with my in-laws,
traveling and learning the culture.

Are
your characters based off real people, or did they all come entirely from your
imagination? Some of the characters slightly resemble real people, but some were born
in my mind : )

Could
you tell us a bit about your book and why it is a must-read? "This book is the perfect complement
to my anti-bullying cause. I like to
think that it is fun to read, full of magic and adventure, but most importantly,
it has an educational aspect to it. So many Indian families have immigrated and
are raising their children in America,
yet most Americans know very little about the Indian culture. Asian American
children are the most bullied children in America.

What
do you love most about the writing process? I love when the story takes on a
life of its own. Sometimes I dream about the book and use those images in the
book.

And
of course, do you have a particular favorite character? I know an author will
love most if not all of the characters he/she creates, but I’m sure there must
be a favorite of yours! So who is it, and why? I really love Hiren, He is young,
but he is wise with a strong morals and bravery. Most importantly, he’s kind
and loving.

Will
you tell us a little about your plans for the future? I will continue to write, but I intend
to spend more time on my anti-bullying cause. I am creating seminars for
teachers, parents, and students. There is a need for education. People have to
learn to recognize the signs of bullying and the steps to take, once they
identify the behavior. I plan to spend quite a bit of time on speaking
engagements.

And of course, are there any other books that are in the works? (Ideas thought
out, perhaps even a rough draft?) I’m working on book two in the “Magical Adventures”
series. I am also working on book two in the ‘Cousin Connection” series. It
will follow ‘The Dolls’.

And now, just some little random questions!

Favorite
colour? Purple
(Even though most of my wardrobe is black : )

Favorite
place? Close
to the sea in Sligo, Ireland.

Favorite
book? Gone with the wind

Favorite
thing? My
Kindle

What
you do when you’re free: My perfect day would
be spent gardening and then spending an evening with my family- my husband,
mother, two sisters, two brother in-laws, two nieces, two nephews, one dog, one
bird.

Favorite
day? Saturday
(least favorite is Monday)

Hmm,
I think that should be about it for today! It was a pleasure to have you on the
blog today! Wishing you all the best in your career! :D

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About Me

My name's Victoria and I love to read! And I guess no matter how busy I am, I'll always find time to read because you can't stop a passion, can you? I love netball, especially shooting, there's just something so peaceful about it, isn't there?

I started blogging in 2011, around November. I've fallen in love with it. Blogging about books just is so fun. Of course, I haven't been the most active of bloggers due to school:( Hopefully that will change now that I'm finally free!

But above all, I love my Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior. I've put my trust in Him. Because I know that no matter what, He will never forsake me nor leave me.

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